Barkskin

A
Support

Barkskin is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
 spell that toughens a willing creature's skin into bark, raising its Armor Class to help it endure incoming blows.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a handful of oak bark)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Druid, Ranger
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

You touch a willing creature. Until the spell ends, the target's skin assumes a bark-like appearance, and the target has an Armor Class of 17 if its AC is lower than that.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a handful of oak bark)
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour
Classes
Druid, Ranger
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

You touch a willing creature. Until the spell ends, the target's skin has a rough, bark-like appearance, and the target's AC can't be less than 16, regardless of what kind of armor it is wearing.

Barkskin 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Barkskin no longer requires Concentration. Its AC protection also changed: instead of the target’s AC being unable to drop below 16, the target now has AC 17 if its AC is lower than that.

Barkskin popularity

How popular is Barkskin? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

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